Who Needs Enemies When You Have Friends and Family to Keep You Humble?
Entrepreneur Office Hours - Issue #266
My big brother visited me this weekend. And, yes, I’m a 41-year-old man who’s about to complain about his big brother. But if you’re a younger sibling, you get it: older siblings have a way of becoming the Achilles heel of your psyche. No matter how old you get, or how much you achieve, your older sibling can reduce you to your silly nine-year-old self. And that’s definitely the case with mine.
To be clear, I love my brother more than anyone else in the world (aside from my wife and kids). He’s my best friend and my biggest supporter. But he’s also my biggest critic. He can’t help poking fun at my entrepreneurial endeavors, because, let’s be honest, he remembers me when I was a goofy nine-year-old—and the notion that that kid is now dishing out real advice to grown adults seems laughable.
Here’s why I’m bringing this up: when we embark on creative or entrepreneurial journeys, we often gauge our progress by the reactions of our immediate circles — family and close friends. Unfortunately, those people know us in completely different capacities. They see us through the lens of who we used to be, not who we’re becoming. And that makes their opinions less relevant to the people we want to reach.
In fact, we have to learn to ignore our echo chamber of friends and family if we’re going to keep growing.
Yes, your friends and family may care deeply about you (and you care about them!), but that doesn’t make them your audience or your customer. Their feedback is almost certainly colored by old memories, preconceived notions, or simply the fact they’re used to you in a certain context. If you let that hold you back, you’ll never tap into the vast world of people who don’t see you as a silly nine-year-old. They’re the ones who can appreciate your work at face value.
Keep this in mind if “what people might think” is holding you back from pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams. Instead, for everyone out there who’s ever felt dismissed by the friends and family who know you best, this message is your reminder to ignore them. Their doubts aren’t a reflection of your potential. They’re just echoes of a version of you that no longer exists.
-Aaron
P.S. And to my big brother (who might be reading this just to rib me later), I love you. I really do. But, in the nicest way possible… go away. You’re not the person I’m talking to. 😘
This week’s new articles…
The One Number Entrepreneurs Need to Stop Worrying About
Too many entrepreneurs prioritize the wrong things, and it ultimately costs them more than just their companies.
There’s Only One Way to Actually “Make Money While You Sleep”
It is possible to make money while doing nothing, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy.
Office Hours Q&A
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QUESTION:
Hello Aaron,
I’m often hearing about networking and how crucial networking is for startup success. Unfortunately, I’m not exactly a social butterfly. I honestly find the idea of constant pitching and event-hopping very daunting.
How would you advise introverted founders like me to make meaningful connections without burning themselves out?
Thanks for your insights,
Logan
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I get it. The classic advice about “network, network, network!” can feel exhausting — especially if you’re not the type who thrives in big social settings. But that doesn’t mean you can’t build a strong network. Introverted founders bring tons of valuable qualities to the startup table. For example: deeper listening skills, the ability to connect on a more personal level, and a knack for thoughtful communication.
So how do you leverage those strengths without wearing yourself out? First, stop believing you need to hit every event and conference to succeed. Focus on places where you can have genuine conversations — smaller meetups, targeted workshops, or even one-on-one coffee chats. Those more intimate settings are where you can really shine. Big networking events might give you quantity, but you don’t need 50 business cards — ultimately you need a few meaningful connections.
As for the conversations you’re going to have – even in those smaller settings – figure out how to anchor them in the value you can provide. Specifically, if you’re talking to someone about an issue you’re passionate about or offering help in an area you’re knowledgeable in, the conversation will flow more organically and feel more comfortable because you’re not “pitching” yourself; you’re sharing insights and solving problems. This approach will likely feel much better and more natural.
Finally, remember to take breaks and recharge. Introverts often need alone time after social interactions, which means schedule your networking events wisely — maybe not back-to-back — and make sure you get some downtime. When you respect your own energy levels, you’ll be far more effective (and happier) in the connections you do make.
If all else fails, keep reminding yourself that, at the end of the day, networking isn’t about being the life of the party. It’s about building relationships with people who can help you grow — and who you can help in return.
Got startup questions of your own? Reply to this email with whatever you want to know, and I’ll do my best to answer.